WandaVision is heavily derived from sitcom culture. Earlier, people were ambiguous as to why. Later into the show, it was revealed. The reason for this is that younger Wanda was really fond of American sitcoms. Episode 8 also revealed the same. While Wanda was watching an American sitcom with her family, her parents were blown away. All Wanda could remember a missile with the name “Stark Industries”. The characters in Westview that Wanda has created are also inspired by the sitcoms Wanda watched when she was a child.
These sitcoms refer to a much bigger picture. They hint towards a major portent of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s next massive event. This was hinted during the flashbacks in episode 8 “Previously On”. Wanda knew exactly what show to pick, and exactly which episode to watch. Wanda chooses “It May Look Like A Walnut” from The Dick Van Dyke Show. During this viewing, their apartment explodes. Wanda and Pietro lose their parents. They stay in the rubble for 2 days.
Why did Wanda choose “It May Look Like A Walnut” when she could have chosen any other episode? Marvel has a thing for teases and Easter eggs. There are always multiple references. One reason could be that the episode is one of the most fondly-remembered. It also ranked on TV Guide’s 100 Greatest Episodes. The second is the plot. It is particularly germane to the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It completely centers around an alien invasion replacing the humans of the planet.
In the beginning, Rob is enjoying a scary sci-fi flick on TV. Simultaneously, Laura cowers under the covers. He teases her with the details of the show. He then wakes up the next morning to find himself immersed in the world of the show. Alien imposters from the planet Twilo replace his friends and family. This goes on till he is the last remaining person on Earth. Reference to Wanda is not to be ignored. In the end, Wanda drives herself into WandaVision. For her, it turns out to be a bad dream, and everything returns to normal until she wakes up. But for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, nothing remains the same.
The comic event “Secret Invasion” was vaguely set up in the MCU during Spider-Man: Far From Home. It was then established that human characters such as Nick Fury and Maria Hill were replaced by shape-shifting Skrulls. Secret Invasion will be coming to Disney+, based on the comics. Now coming back to Wanda. While looking back at the memory, Wanda is not just recalling a random episode. She is subconsciously alerting herself to one of the biggest threats currently facing the planet. Maybe Wanda will snap out of this dream.
WandaVision has thus far established Wanda’s powers. The show has also reflected Agatha’s true nature. We also got to see how Wanda lets loose of her powers once she is emotionally involved. Speculations are still rampant regarding the introductions of mutants. This will only be known in the finale episode number 9. It is to release on Disney+, this Friday.
Written by Jac Schaeffer and directed by Matt Shakman, WandaVision stars Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch, Paul Bettany as Vision, Randall Park as Agent Jimmy Woo, Kat Dennings as Darcy Lewis, Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau, and Kathryn Hahn as Agnes. New episodes air Fridays on Disney+.
